West Sussex tree felling works to tackle ash dieback risk

Tree felling is due to take place across West Sussex to remove those which could pose a risk to road users due to ash dieback infection.

Ash dieback is a highly destructive disease which is predicted to kill a high number of ash trees across the country.

Removing infected trees is the best way to avoid spread of the disease. West Sussex County Council has a tree planting policy strategy to ensure it maintains a high number of trees in West Sussex. To continue to keep the road network safe and avoid the potential for branches to fall into the highway, the council needs to fell severely infected trees.

Their removal will open the area to light and allow natural regeneration of trees from the existing seed source.

Felling works have been ongoing across West Sussex, with new dates now scheduled, all subject to factors such as severe weather:

- London Road,Eb er noe( until today – February 9)

- A272 Petworth Road, W is borough Green, Billings hurst (February 22 to 23)

- A286 Cobblers Row, Single ton( February 24 to April 1)

- B2141 East Marden Road to Hill Lane, North Marden (March 21 to 25)

- Haslemere Road, Fernhurst (March 28 to 30)

- A272 Terwick Lane to Old Rectory, Rogate (March 28 to 31)

- A272 from Mills Farm Road to Terwick Hill, Rogate (March 28 to 31)

- A272 London Road to Durdford Lane, Rogate (March 28 to 31).

All of the above will involve night-time closures of the sections of road involved from 8pm to 6am. Signed diversions will be in place.